Organizes models of human relationships on a continuum ranging from parent-controlled "relationship listening" models to teacher-controlled "coercive legalistic" models. Examples illustrate how early childhood educators can use the continuum in conjunction with the concepts of levels of need and crisis to select strategies for intervening in…

Discusses issues concerning children's vulnerability to crisis during the early childhood years and describes an ecological model finding increasing favor among family researchers and clinicians. (Author/BJD)

Investigates the relationship between the self-reported adjustment of children of divorce and their parents' perception of this adjustment. While divorced parents compared favorably to parents from intact nuclear families, divorced parents were inaccurate in three areas concerning their children's feelings and conduct problems, and custodial…

Studies suggest children of remarriage may experience adjustment challenges but that long range developmental effects are insignificant. Quality of family life appears to be more relevant than family structure, and adjustment seems easier for boys and younger children than for girls and adolescents. (Author/RH)

Based on easily obtainable prospective measures representing generally accepted models of child maltreatment, results provide empirical support for the multimodel or multidimensional approach to prediction. Data from the prenatal period through the fourth month of life predicted maltreatment through the third year. (Author/RH)

Seventeen Black teenage mothers were videotaped interacting on 10 tasks with their five- to eight-month-old infants. Several significant differences were found between mothers of boys and mothers of girls. (Author/RH)

Six popular misconceptions about adoption are presented along with research evidence refuting each of them. (Author/RH)

Examines the relationship of television viewing to prereading and reading skills, and suggests ways parents and teachers can encourage reading readiness. Some methods integrate reading and television viewing. (RH)

Outcomes of fantasy play training were compared with those of nonfantasy/skills training in English nursery classes and play groups. Children receiving fantasy play training engaged in cooperative play more than did those receiving skills training, played more often in larger subgroups, and were more physically active. Most effects were present at…

Describes the development and field testing of a handbook for nursery school staff on the management of children's behavior problems. The handbook includes four schedules (for behavioral assessment, general assessment, parent interviews, and agency resources) and discusses play activity, behavior modification, and problem-solving approaches to…

Analyzes conversations between one mother and her 22-month-old child, describing sequences the pair used in clarifying each other's focus of attention and in instructing and learning about concepts and motor skills. Results highlight the importance of the intensive learning environment provided by home conversations. (RH)